Arvus- Part III(I wasn’t planning on writing another segment on Arvus, but after hearing the following monumental idea from Rav Aharon Kotler, I realized it was well worth adding part 3.)An amazing comment based on the Ramchal was brought in Part 2. I quote:The root of Arvus is totally for the benefit of each individual. The Ramchal writes that it was specifically so that each Jew could benefit from the positive actions of others that Hashem linked all of Klal Yisrael together. Through this intense bond, each Jew can connect to another’s merits to attain the paramount spiritual prize of Olom Haba. The natural consequence of this benefit is a commensurate responsibility for another’s sins and מצוה responsibilities.Does this awesome benefit happen automatically or must we trigger it? And if so, how do we trigger it? Rav Aharon asks another question: if Klal Yisrael’s inborn connection is the root of receiving punishment for another’s sins, why do we find that only a potential rebuker is punished? He answers that yes we are all naturally connected, but if I have no chance to stop you I am an “O’nes” (one who is forced) and the klal is 'אונס דרחמנא פטריה' -loosely translated; “the Torah gives no punishment for forced actions”. Accordingly, only the one who has the ability to deter another from sin can be held responsible for his sin.So too, claims Rav Aharon, tapping into the enormous benefit of Arvus needs conscience connection. Without any effort, we are “Onsin” towards another’s מצוות and therefore we gain no benefit from them. He teaches that the way to trigger the positive benefits is by wanting the spiritual elevation of our friend – ‘חבירו'רוצהבזכות, and by being someone who cares and is concerned about Klal Yisrael’s spiritual state and the honor of Heaven. Someone who wants something and is concerned with it certainly is no longer an O’nes regarding that same thing.Remarkable. That is all that it takes. In Parts 1 and 2 we learned how much Arvus obligates. If the responsibility is great the benefits must be even greater, but we have to earn them. The way to do that is to care and be bothered when we see that Klal Yisrael isn’t what it could be.From a loving place we wish our secular brethren were more attached to their Father in Heaven. We are concerned with "off the D” kids, rising intermarriage rates, crumbling moral standards and a hundred other things. Obviously our actions can’t betray this care. When we have an opportunity we must do what we can and always ask ourselves whether we can help the spiritual level of Klal Yisrael rise like floodwaters.Hashem made it easy. By caring and doing we trigger the untold rewards which Arvus affords.(Please send comments and questions to rdsvaad@gmail.com)